Carabao Cup First Round Results: West Ham, Burnley, Millwall 2026

The Carabao Cup first round delivered thrilling action as West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall advanced, with several matches decided by dramatic penalty shootouts. Fans witnessed upsets, comebacks, and late drama across the competition.

Carabao Cup First Round Highlights

The first round of the Carabao Cup featured 35 matches, with Premier League sides entering the fray. West Ham came from behind to beat Portsmouth 3-1 at the London Stadium, while Burnley edged Notts County 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Millwall also progressed, defeating QPR 2-0 in a shootout after a 1-1 stalemate.

Key Results and Surprises

Several lower-league teams pulled off shocks. Lincoln beat Derby 2-1, and Birmingham triumphed 1-0 at Swansea. Leicester narrowly defeated Northampton 1-0, while Norwich thrashed MK Dons 4-1. The competition showcased the depth of English football.

Penalty Shootout Drama

Six matches went to penalties, with shootouts providing edge-of-the-seat entertainment. Barnsley beat Wigan 6-5, while Reading edged Bromley 5-4. AFC Wimbledon also won on penalties against Newport, and Preston defeated Huddersfield 4-3.

Notable Performances

Kyle Walker, a four-time winner of this competition with Manchester City, scored the decisive penalty for Burnley. West Ham's comeback was led by their attacking unit, while Millwall's goalkeeper was the hero in their shootout.

Key Takeaways from the First Round

• Premier League teams showed resilience, but lower-league sides proved competitive.
• Penalty shootouts decided six ties, highlighting the fine margins in cup football.
• Underdogs like Lincoln and Birmingham advanced, setting up exciting second-round matchups.

What's Next in the Carabao Cup?

The second round draw will feature the winners, with more Premier League clubs joining. Fans can expect more upsets and memorable moments as the competition progresses.

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